Rui Sun

LEGENDARY INTERVIEW

Design Legends ("DL") had the distinct honour to interview legendary designer Rui Sun ("RS") for their original perspective and innovative approach to design as well as their creative lifestyle, we are very pleased to share our interview with our distinguished readers.

DL: Could you please tell us a bit about your design background and education?

RS : I started my design journey in China, where I developed a strong foundation in art and design. I then moved to the U.S. to pursue a degree in industrial design, which really shaped my perspective on user experience. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work in various roles, especially focusing on UX design at top firms, including my current position at Citi Shanghai.

DL: What motivates you to design in general, why did you become a designer?

RS : I’m driven by the desire to create solutions that genuinely improve people's lives. The challenge of merging functionality with aesthetics excites me. I became a designer because I wanted to channel my creativity into something impactful, and design allows me to do just that.

DL: Did you choose to become a designer, or you were forced to become one?

RS : Choosing to become a designer was a no-brainer for me! I’ve always been drawn to art and technology, and design felt like the perfect blend of both worlds. It was an organic choice driven by my passion rather than pressure.

DL: What do you design, what type of designs do you wish to design more of?

RS : I focus on user experiences, particularly in the fintech space. I’m eager to design more innovative products that address mental wellness and accessibility. Creating solutions that empower users and improve their daily lives is something I aspire to do more of.

DL: What should young designers do to become a design legend like you?

RS : Stay curious and keep learning! Experiment with different styles and tools, and don’t shy away from collaboration. Building a solid portfolio is important, but don’t forget to network and learn from others in the field.

DL: What distinguishes between a good designer and a great designer?

RS : A good designer meets user needs, while a great designer anticipates them. Great designers have a deep understanding of their audience and push boundaries creatively, all while ensuring usability and functionality.

DL: What makes a good design a really good design, how do you evaluate good design?

RS : A really good design resonates with users emotionally and functionally. I evaluate design by considering how intuitive and user-friendly it is, as well as how effectively it solves a problem. If it brings joy and satisfaction to users, that’s a sign of a great design.

DL: What is the value of good design? Why should everyone invest in good design?

RS : Good design can save time, improve efficiency, and enhance user experiences. Investing in good design is investing in the overall success of a product or service. It creates lasting impressions and can significantly boost user satisfaction and loyalty.

DL: What would you design and who would you design for if you had the time?

RS : If I had the time, I would love to design a wellness app that combines mindfulness practices with daily task management. It would be aimed at busy professionals looking to balance their work and mental health.

DL: What is the dream project you haven’t yet had time to realize?

RS : My dream project would be to create a community space that integrates technology and design for mental health support. A place where people can connect, learn, and find resources tailored to their well-being would be incredibly fulfilling to work on.

DL: What is your secret recipe of success in design, what is your secret ingredient?

RS : My secret recipe for success involves a mix of empathy, creativity, and perseverance. The secret ingredient? Being open to feedback and continuously learning from my experiences and those around me.

DL: Who are some other design masters and legends you get inspired from?

RS : I draw inspiration from designers like Jonathan Ive and Don Norman. Their ability to blend aesthetics with user-centric principles has had a significant influence on my work.

DL: What are your favorite designs by other designers, why do you like them?

RS : I really admire the simplicity and functionality of Apple products. Their design philosophy emphasizes user experience, and I appreciate how they manage to create intuitive interfaces that feel natural to use.

DL: What is your greatest design, which aspects of that design makes you think it is great?

RS : My greatest design work has been the Foreign Currency Exchange Trading System at Citi. What makes it great is how it streamlined complex processes for users while providing a visually appealing interface that enhances usability.

DL: How could people improve themselves to be better designers, what did you do?

RS : Continuous learning is key. I’ve attended workshops, sought mentorship, and taken online courses to sharpen my skills. Getting involved in design communities has also helped me grow and stay inspired.

DL: If you hadn’t become a designer, what would you have done?

RS : If I hadn’t pursued design, I might have ventured into technology or art education. Both fields fascinate me, and I enjoy exploring how they can intersect with design.

DL: How do you define design, what is design for you?

RS : For me, design is the process of solving problems through creativity and innovation. It’s about understanding users, crafting experiences, and making the world a bit easier and more beautiful.

DL: Who helped you to reach these heights, who was your biggest supporter?

RS : My biggest supporter has been my family, who always encouraged my creative pursuits. I’ve also had great mentors throughout my education and career who have guided me and pushed me to excel.

DL: What helped you to become a great designer?

RS : A mix of education, hands-on experience, and a passion for learning has contributed to my growth as a designer. Engaging in real-world projects and receiving constructive feedback has been invaluable.

DL: What were the obstacles you faced before becoming a design master?

RS : Like many designers, I faced challenges such as self-doubt and balancing creativity with practicality. Learning to accept feedback and iterate on designs was a significant hurdle I had to overcome.

DL: How do you think designers should present their work?

RS : Designers should present their work with a clear narrative, highlighting the problem, the design process, and the impact of their solutions. Visuals are crucial, but context and storytelling bring designs to life.

DL: What’s your next design project, what should we expect from you in future?

RS : My next project involves enhancing a user interface for a financial app. Expect fresh ideas that prioritize user experience while integrating innovative features to streamline processes.

DL: What’s your ultimate goal as a designer?

RS : My ultimate goal is to create designs that empower users and contribute positively to their lives. I want to make a meaningful impact through my work, bridging the gap between technology and human experience.

DL: What people expect from an esteemed designer such as yourself?

RS : People expect creativity, innovation, and solutions that address their needs. They look for someone who understands their challenges and can translate those into effective designs.

DL: How does design help create a better society?

RS : Design helps create a better society by addressing real-world problems and improving user experiences. Thoughtful design can lead to enhanced accessibility, inclusivity, and overall quality of life.

DL: What are you currently working on that you are especially excited about?

RS : I’m currently working on optimizing a dashboard for bankers that enhances their workflow and user experience. I’m excited about the potential impact it will have on efficiency and productivity.

DL: Which design projects gave you the most satisfaction, why?

RS : The Foreign Currency Exchange Trading System project was particularly satisfying because it challenged me and allowed me to collaborate with a global team. Seeing the end-users benefit from the design was incredibly rewarding.

DL: What would you like to see changed in design industry in the coming years?

RS : I’d love to see a stronger focus on sustainability in design practices. As designers, we have the power to influence positive change and should prioritize eco-friendly solutions.

DL: Where do you think the design field is headed next?

RS : I believe the design field is moving towards more integrated experiences that combine digital and physical elements. As technology evolves, designers will need to adapt and innovate accordingly.

DL: How long does it take you to finalize a design project?

RS : The timeline varies depending on the project’s complexity, but I typically allow a few weeks for research, prototyping, and iterations. It’s important to balance thoroughness with efficiency.

DL: When you have a new design project, where do you start?

RS : I start by conducting user research and understanding the project requirements. This foundational step helps me frame the design challenge and guide my creative process.

DL: What is your life motto as a designer?

RS : “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.” I believe great design seamlessly blends form and function.

DL: Do you think design sets the trends or trends set the designs?

RS : I think it’s a bit of both. Designers can set trends by innovating, but they also need to stay attuned to current trends and user preferences to create relevant work.

DL: What is the role of technology when you design?

RS : Technology plays a critical role in enhancing design processes and enabling innovative solutions. It allows me to experiment and create interactive prototypes that improve user experience.

DL: What kind of design software and equipment do you use in your work?

RS : I use tools like Sketch, Figma, and Adobe Creative Suite for design and prototyping. A good setup with a high-resolution monitor also helps me work efficiently and effectively.

DL: What is the role of the color, materials and ambient in design?

RS : Color, materials, and ambiance are essential in evoking emotions and setting the tone for a design. They can significantly influence user experience, so I carefully consider these elements in my work.

DL: What do you wish people to ask about your design?

RS : I wish people would ask about the thought process behind my designs. I love sharing the story of how I identified user needs and the journey I went through to create solutions that really resonate with them.

DL: When you see a new great design or product what comes into your mind?

RS : When I see a great design, I often think about the thought and research that went into it. I admire how it meets user needs while also looking appealing. It makes me excited about the potential for future innovations in design!

DL: Who is your ideal design partner? Do you believe in co-design?

RS : My ideal design partner would be someone who shares a passion for user-centric design and brings diverse perspectives to the table. I absolutely believe in co-design! Collaborating with others can spark fresh ideas and lead to more well-rounded solutions.

DL: Which people you interacted had the most influence on your design?

RS : I’ve been influenced by several mentors and peers at Tencent and Citi bank throughout my journey. Colleagues who challenged my thinking and pushed me to explore new approaches have had a significant impact on my design philosophy.

DL: Which books you read had the most effect on your design?

RS : Books like "The Design of Everyday Things" by Don Norman and "Don't Make Me Think" by Steve Krug have greatly influenced my approach. They emphasize the importance of usability and understanding user behavior, which are core to my design process.

DL: How did you develop your skills as a master designer?

RS : I developed my skills through a mix of formal education, hands-on experience, and continuous learning. Seeking feedback and being open to constructive criticism has been essential in refining my design abilities.

DL: Irrelative of time and space, who you would want to meet, talk and discuss with?

RS : I would love to meet Dieter Rams. His philosophy on design simplicity and functionality resonates deeply with me, and I’d be thrilled to discuss his views on modern design challenges.

DL: How do you feel about all the awards and recognition you had, is it hard to be famous?

RS : I feel grateful for the recognition, but I try to stay grounded. Fame can be overwhelming, and I prefer to focus on the work itself rather than the accolades. What truly matters is the impact my designs have on users.

DL: What is your favorite color, place, food, season, thing and brand?

RS : My favorite color is blue because it brings a sense of calm and clarity. I love visiting art museums, and my go-to food is sushi. I enjoy the transition of seasons, especially fall with its vibrant colors. A brand I admire is Apple for its focus on design and user experience.

DL: Please tell us a little memoir, a funny thing you had experienced as a designer?

RS : One funny moment was during a design presentation when my prototype unexpectedly crashed on the big screen! I had to improvise and explain my design verbally, which turned out to be more engaging than I had planned. It taught me to be flexible and adapt on the fly!

DL: What makes your day great as a designer, how do you motivate yourself?

RS : A great day for me includes collaborating with my team and hearing positive feedback from users. I motivate myself by setting small goals and celebrating progress along the way. I also find inspiration in nature and art, which helps fuel my creativity.

DL: When you were a little child, was it obvious that you would become a great designer?

RS : Absolutely! I was always doodling and building things. My family often joked that I was going to be an architect or designer because I loved creating and experimenting with different materials.

DL: What do you think about future; what do you see will happen in thousand years from now?

RS : In a thousand years, I envision a world where design seamlessly integrates with technology to enhance everyday life. We’ll likely see more sustainable practices and innovative solutions to complex problems, improving the quality of life for everyone.

DL: Please tell us anything you wish your fans to know about you, your design and anything else?

RS : I want my fans to know that I’m passionate about making a difference through design. I believe in the power of empathy and creativity to solve problems, and I’m always eager to collaborate and learn from others. Thank you for supporting my journey!